Looking for my first
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge VA
Looking for my first
I am currently looking for my first Corvette. Budget is $20K - $25K max. I think a low mileage C4 is the way to go for the money. Are there years that are more problematic than others? Hardtop vs. Conv.? LT1 vs. LT4? 6sp vs. auto? How will the introduction of the C6 impact the prices in the used market? What about collector's editions? 1993-40th? 1996-CE? Are some more likely to hold their value than others?
I guess I am looking for the advice of the experts... the owners.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
[Modified by TheCutter, 9:04 PM 8/19/2003]
I guess I am looking for the advice of the experts... the owners.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
[Modified by TheCutter, 9:04 PM 8/19/2003]
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Newport News VA
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
Depends on what you want out of the car. If it's a daily driver then dependibility is an issue. For that I'd recomend the LT4 (All came with 6 speed). Performance I'd recomend Z07, 6 speed optioined cars. 92-96. As far as appreciation, the GS, and ZR1 are sure to go up in value. Go with the lowest mileage you can afford don't worry about year. Good Luck !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 5
From: ZR1 Gathering '04, '05 Northlake Texas
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
With that budget you should be able to buy any C4 out their. You need to decide what you want, ie: convertable, coupe, 6-speed, or auto, first. Also what are you going to use it for. pleasure, daily driver, racing etc? Then pick the color or colors you like. Then you will be ready to start your search. The lowest milage ones will hold their value better, but if you are going to use it as a daily driver, then it really doesn't matter if it is collectable or not, High milage Vettes don't hold their value well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
Take a look at this one: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=584617
It looks like an awesome car and should hold it's value fairly well.
It looks like an awesome car and should hold it's value fairly well.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 41,484
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
If I wanted something other than a Red C4 I would absolutely go for the Grand Sport!
If you want an Awesome C4, that is ... takes a little more, but man!!!
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
If you want an Awesome C4, that is ... takes a little more, but man!!!
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
The general rule of thumb when buying vettes is buy the newest, nicest, low mileage vette you can afford. That being said....you will have to decide what you will use the vette for.....everyday driver...or occasional driver...etc. Once you do that...then you can pick color, coupe or vert, stick or auto...etc. I would really look for the GS or ZR1 for the weekend or occasional driver. For regular use I would buy a 94-96 coupe or vert...auto.....unless you like shiftn!!! Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search. Take your time and talk to alot of people and look and drive a number of vettes before you decide. Keep us posted and always shoot us a question if you any! :)
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
For that amount of money you can almost any C4 you want. I would pass on
automatics & convertible. The ZF 6 speed is a true joy to drive and it makes
all the right noises. The C4 flexes as much as a coupe, let alone soft top. IF
you want a convertible the C5 is the way to go hands down (please don't flame
me he is asking for opinions !!!)
I would go with '95-'96 with the '96 LT4 6 speed as first choice. Right now prices on C4 are low, there are a lot of bargins
out there and its still a lot of car for the money as you already found out. The last two years, in my opinion,
were the best. Better electronics & improved programming, cosmetics inside & out. If you have not done so already, I would drive an early C5 and make up
your own mind because you are in that price range and should form your own
opinion based on your needs. Happy hunting
automatics & convertible. The ZF 6 speed is a true joy to drive and it makes
all the right noises. The C4 flexes as much as a coupe, let alone soft top. IF
you want a convertible the C5 is the way to go hands down (please don't flame
me he is asking for opinions !!!)
I would go with '95-'96 with the '96 LT4 6 speed as first choice. Right now prices on C4 are low, there are a lot of bargins
out there and its still a lot of car for the money as you already found out. The last two years, in my opinion,
were the best. Better electronics & improved programming, cosmetics inside & out. If you have not done so already, I would drive an early C5 and make up
your own mind because you are in that price range and should form your own
opinion based on your needs. Happy hunting
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 0
From: sussex nj
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
check this out real nice take a look in your price range http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=632075
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
Myself, I'm a convertible 6 speed kind of guy. However, I'd love to have a ZR-1. It looks fast with the hood open! The LT-5 has always looked good to me. But, they take a lot of TLC. So, look for a 95-96 first, and if a really clean 92-94 should happen to appear, consider it and use the extra money to upgrade the engine. Oh yes, let us help you on your search. And, welcome to the forum. We can spend your money faster than you can. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Re: Looking for my first (TheCutter)
If you are looking specifically for a C4, concentrate on a 95/96.... unless you can find a good LT5 in a 93/94. I'd sell my children for a low-mile 95 LT5, but $25K probably won't put me (or you) into one.
I'm going to be honest with you here....for $25K you can probably find a decent early C5 and it will be a better driver than our C4s. Not as good looking, but a better automobile (now, I didn't say it's a better Corvette).
Hey, he asked.....!
:D
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
[Modified by rocco16, 1:29 AM 8/20/2003]
I'm going to be honest with you here....for $25K you can probably find a decent early C5 and it will be a better driver than our C4s. Not as good looking, but a better automobile (now, I didn't say it's a better Corvette).
Hey, he asked.....!
:D
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
[Modified by rocco16, 1:29 AM 8/20/2003]
